Colorado Tax Evader Sentenced Again for Attempt to Flee

Tax Convict Sentenced To Additional Prison Time For Fleeing Country Before Prison Term

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

DENVER — United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Wilma Hau, age 45, formerly of Littleton, Colorado, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson to serve 18 months in federal prison for fleeing the U.S. to evade the jail sentence imposed on February 24, 2014 in a previous tax fraud case. This sentence will be served consecutively to the tax fraud sentence. The Internal Revenue Service — Criminal Investigation joined in the announcement.

According to information from the prior tax fraud case, Hau and her spouse, Remigio Rafael Hau Chi, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Marcia S. Krieger for conspiracy to make false and fraudulent claims to the government. The investigation determined Hau conspired in a scheme where stolen identities were used to file 138 false federal income tax returns which generated the issuance of $430,753 in fraudulent tax refunds. A significant portion of these refunds were used for Hau's personal benefit, including the purchase of a Littleton residence and paying off the mortgage attached to that property.

After sentencing, Judge Krieger allowed Hau to remain free on bond and surrender to the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, Minnesota on March 27, 2014, as instructed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prior to March 27, 2014, Hau left from her residence, failed to notify the United States Attorney of a change in residence and failed to surrender to serve her sentence, becoming a fugitive. Hau was arrested at the pedestrian entrance at the Paso del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso Texas on July 31, 2019.

“Ms. Hau was duly convicted and sentenced to a federal prison term for her tax crimes. Rather than accepting the consequences of her actions and reporting to prison, she again tried to evade the law by fleeing to Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Hopefully the additional time in prison will be enough for her to fully contemplate and accept the error of her ways.”

“Individuals, such as Hau, who think they can leave without facing repercussions for the damage inflicted on innocent taxpayers are mistaken,” said Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui. “IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agents will continue to pursue those who defrauded the federal tax system to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.”

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service — Criminal Investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Davies.